The gripes that this is only "speculation" are pointless.
[In reply to]

Can't Post

The positive reviews have no more facts than the negative ones do. We are ALL speculating.

Either criticize everyone for groundless speculation, or don't bring it up.

That being said, I would disagree that the 3-movie format is either a money-grab or stagnation on Peter Jackson's part.

I believe he is simply like a kid in a candy shop and he's out of control. His enthusiasm has overcome his good sense, and he doesn't know when to stop. "BOTH [political] extremes are dangerous. But more dangerous are team fanboys who think all the extremists are on the OTHER side." (CNN reader comment)

It is always those with the fewest sensible things to say who make the loudest noise in saying them. --Precious Ramotswe (Alexander McCall Smith)